ACS Launches Online Resources on Surgeon Unionization

A new section focused on physician unionization is now available on facs.org, providing ACS members with objective, evidence-based information on an issue of growing interest across the surgical community.

The resources were developed following publication of the article “Is It Time for Surgeons to Unionize?” in the November-December 2024 ACS Bulletin, which prompted feedback from Fellows and members seeking additional information on the topic.

In response, the ACS Board of Regents established the Optimal Working Environment for Surgeons Task Force in early 2025. The group was charged with developing factual, balanced materials to help surgeons and surgical trainees better understand the current landscape of physician unionization.

The goal of the unionization materials is to provide factual, balanced information about how unionization may affect surgeons and surgical trainees, including what can occur under union structures, and the legal and ethical considerations involved. This is an issue that touches the entire House of Surgery. FAQs, supporting materials and bibliographic references are provided to help surgeons and residents make informed, independent decisions about unionization and their professional environment.

This new resource, in the Practice Management section of facs.org, will be updated periodically.